Preserving Ladakh

Volunteers and Students are Welcome

Story and Photo By Jonice Owen

Ladakh, in the eastern portion of Kashmir, is best known to Americans and Europeans for its trekking possibilities and nearby Dharmasala, home-in-exile of his Holiness the Dalai Lama. During the traveler’s
season, April to September, you meet numerous Indians, Europeans, North Americans, as well as Ladakhis enjoying the sunny yet cool terrain.

The area is also home to a form of traditional medicine called "Amchi,” closely linked to Tibetan medicine, and there are many opportunities to learn more about this prevention-oriented medicine that is
gaining worldwide attention. Amchi focuses on the whole person by seeing general imbalances as opposed to individual problems. A patient with a knee injury may receive herbal medicines, spiritual guidance, and counsel to change his or
her diet.

As the population grows and becomes westernized, many organizations are working to preserve ancient Ladakhi traditions, including Amchi.

The Ladakh School of Tibetan Medicine, Ladakh, India, may be contacted by writing directly to the school.

In nearby Dharmsala, the Men-Tsee-Khang teaching clinic provides traditional Tibetan medical care. Teaching includes identification, gathering, and preparing ingredients for hundreds of different medicines
as well as diagnosing and treatment. Contact Men-Tsee-Khang, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala, 176215 District Kangra (H.P.), info@tibetan-medicine.org.

The International Society for Ecology and Culture sponsors the Farm Project, which gives people of all nationalities the opportunity
to live and work with Ladakhi people for one or more months during the growing season to learn about growing medicinal plants.

The Tibetan Plateau Project supports the practice of Tibetan medicine and assists local communities in developing income-generating projects using medicinal plants. It also promotes biodiversity and
sustainable development: www.earthisland.org/tpp/.